Skip to site navigation

Accessibility Options

Font size

Colour scheme

How to get permisssion

 
Follow the steps below. If you have any queries or issues, get in touch with the Cemetary Service manager using the conatct details on the right.

1. Consecrated or not?

The first thing you need to establish is whether the body is buried in consecrated (blessed, ie in a churchyard) ground or not.

Municipal cemetaries usually have areas of both. See cemeteries and crematorium for local contacts.

2. Request an application form

Then you need to ask the appropriate authority for an application form:

Unconsecrated ground

You need an exhumation licence from the Department of Constititional Affairs (DCA).

Email coroner@dca.gsi.gov.uk for an application form and guidance notes. If you have any queries, please call the DCA on 020 7340 6659

Fee: none

Consecrated ground

If the person is buried in consecrated grounds, you must get a 'faculty for exhumation' (a licence) from the Church of England (What about other denominations?). Request an application form by mail, phone or fax:

Southwark Diocesan Registry
The Old Deanery
Dean's Court
London EC4V 5AA

Tel: 020 7593 5110
Fax: 020 7248 3221

Fee: £180.35

3. Contact Cemetary Services and return form

The Cemetary Services Manager must fill in the second part of the application form. He/she will also notify the Environmental Health department.

4. Wait for decision and exhumation date

If permission is granted, you will sent the date and time of the exhumation. It will happen out of working hours, usually around 4am or 5am.

An Environmental Health Officer will be present to make sure the deceased person is treated with respect and there is no threat to public health.

You may attend if you wish, but we do not recommend it - it can be very distressing.

You will be charged for contractor fees, a new casket and transportation costs. This usually comes to between £2,500 to £3,000.

A to Z of Services

Community & living

About Greenwich

Contact information

Useful links